Historic Board tables request to demolish house

The Historic Board on Monday tabled a request for demolition of a property that was found to have significant structural safety risks.

Mike Pittman, current president of the Historic Board, had his application for interior demolition at 403 W. Fourth St. approved in August.

Upon starting work, Pittman discovered structural problems with the building, including weak siding issues and rafters supporting the roof that had been damaged during a fire. Pittman said some of the rafters were charred when he found them.

After talking with contractors, Pittman said the cost of interior demolition or demolishing the entire structure would be about the same.

Given the weak exterior and roofing, Pittman said he had a "real safety issue" with the property.

He said he hoped to get approval from the board to start demolition as soon as possible, but board attorney Darrell Auxier suggested the board schedule a special meeting to give neighbors a chance to address the concerns. Until that time, Pittman said he plans to go ahead with the work.

"I'm going to instruct my crew to continue with the demolition we've been ordered to do. If it falls down, it falls down," he said.